U.S. patent application number 10/789204 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for extendable self-contained cleaning device.
Invention is credited to Flanery, Dale A., Flanery, Samuel L..
Application Number | 20050191116 10/789204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34887219 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050191116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flanery, Dale A. ; et
al. |
September 1, 2005 |
Extendable self-contained cleaning device
Abstract
A cleaning device comprising an extendable wand and a cleaning
fluid delivery system. The extendable wand has a first end and a
second end, with the extendable wand comprising a cleaning fluid
reservoir located at the first end thereof and a cleaning head
located at the second end thereof. The cleaning fluid delivery
system is at least partially located within the extendable wand for
delivering cleaning fluid in the fluid reservoir to the second end
of the extendable wand. Pressure of the cleaning fluid within the
cleaning fluid delivery system is independent of an extendable
length of the extendable wand.
Inventors: |
Flanery, Dale A.; (Grand
Rapids, MI) ; Flanery, Samuel L.; (Sparta,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON, LLP
695 KENMOOR, S.E.
P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
34887219 |
Appl. No.: |
10/789204 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/272 ;
401/268; 401/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/22 20130101;
A47L 1/15 20130101; B60S 3/047 20130101; A47L 13/256 20130101; A47L
1/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/272 ;
401/268; 401/270 |
International
Class: |
A46B 011/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A cleaning device comprising: an extendable wand having a first
end and a second end, the extendable wand comprising a cleaning
fluid reservoir located at the first end thereof and a cleaning
head located at the second end thereof; and a cleaning fluid
delivery system at least partially located within the extendable
wand for delivering cleaning fluid in the fluid reservoir to the
second end of the extendable wand; wherein pressure of the cleaning
fluid within the cleaning fluid delivery system is independent of
an extendable length of the extendable wand.
2. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
3. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the cleaning fluid
reservoir comprises a bottle located at the first end of the
extendable wand.
4. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the cleaning fluid
delivery system comprises a coiled tube for delivering cleaning
fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir to the second end of the
extendable wand.
5. The cleaning device of claim 4, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
6. The cleaning device of claim 5, wherein: the coiled tube is
located within the telescoping tubes.
7. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the cleaning fluid
delivery system comprises a pump located at the first end of the
extendable wand for forcing the cleaning fluid from the cleaning
fluid reservoir to the second end of the extendable wand.
8. The cleaning device of claim 7, wherein: the cleaning fluid
delivery system further includes a coiled tube for delivering
cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir to the second end of
the extendable wand; and the pump forces the cleaning fluid from
the cleaning fluid reservoir to the second end of the extendable
wand through the coiled tube.
9. The cleaning device of claim 8, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
10. The cleaning device of claim 9, wherein: the coiled tube is
located within the telescoping tubes.
11. The cleaning device of claim 7, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a handle at the first end of the extendable wand;
wherein the pump is located in the handle.
12. The cleaning device of claim 11, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
13. The cleaning device of claim 12, wherein: the pair of
telescoping tubes includes a first telescoping end and a second
telescoping end; and the handle is connected to the pair of
telescoping tubes at the first telescoping end.
14. The cleaning device of claim 13, wherein: the cleaning fluid
delivery system further includes a coiled tube for delivering
cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir to the second end of
the extendable wand; and the pump forces the cleaning fluid from
the cleaning fluid reservoir to the second end of the extendable
wand through the coiled tube.
15. The cleaning device of claim 14, wherein: the coiled tube is
located in the pair of telescoping tubes and connected to the
pump.
16. The cleaning device of claim 15, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a sprayer at the second end thereof for spraying
fluid transferred to the second end of the extendable wand; the
coiled tube is further connected to the sprayer.
17. The cleaning device of claim 16, wherein: the sprayer includes
an adjustable sprayer knob for adjusting a spraying pattern of the
fluid.
18. The cleaning device of claim 16, wherein: the sprayer is
located between the pair of telescoping tubes and the cleaning
head.
19. The cleaning device of claim 7, wherein: the cleaning fluid
reservoir comprises a bottle connected to the handle at the first
end of the extendable wand.
20. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a sprayer at the second end thereof for spraying
fluid transferred to the second end of the extendable wand.
21. The cleaning device of claim 20, wherein: the sprayer includes
an adjustable sprayer knob for adjusting a spraying pattern of the
fluid.
22. The cleaning device of claim 20, wherein: the sprayer is
located between the cleaning fluid reservoir and the cleaning
head.
23. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the cleaning head
includes a mop head with cloth retainers for retaining a cloth on
the cloth head.
24. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the cleaning head
includes a mop head with cloth retainers and a cloth; and the cloth
retainer retains the cloth on the cloth head.
25. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: the cleaning head
includes an ice scraper.
26. A cleaning device comprising: an extendable wand having a first
end and a second end, the extendable wand being adjustable between
a first length and a second length, the extendable wand comprising
a cleaning fluid reservoir located at the first end of the
extendable wand and being configured to accept cleaning fluid
therein, the extendable wand further comprising a cleaning head
connected to the second end of the extendable wand; a coiled tube
located within the extendable wand for delivering cleaning fluid in
the cleaning fluid reservoir to the second end of the extendable
wand; and a pump located at the first end of the extendable wand
for forcing the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to
the second end of the extendable wand through the coiled tube;
wherein the cleaning fluid in the coiled tube is at a first
pressure when the extendable wand is at the first length and the
cleaning fluid in the coiled tube is at a second pressure when the
extendable wand is at the second length, the first pressure being
identical to the second pressure.
27. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein: the cleaning fluid
reservoir comprises a bottle located at the first end of the
extendable wand.
28. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
29. The cleaning device of claim 28, wherein: the coiled tube is
located within the telescoping tubes.
30. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a handle at the first end of the extendable wand;
and the pump is located in the handle.
31. The cleaning device of claim 30, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
32. The cleaning device of claim 31, wherein: the pair of
telescoping tubes include a first telescoping end and a second
telescoping end; and the handle is connected to the pair of
telescoping tubes at the first telescoping end.
33. The cleaning device of claim 32, wherein: the coiled tube is
located in the pair of telescoping tubes and connected to the
pump.
34. The cleaning device of claim 33, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a sprayer at the second end thereof for spraying
fluid transferred to the second end of the extendable wand; the
coiled tube is further connected to the sprayer.
35. The cleaning device of claim 34, wherein: the sprayer includes
an adjustable sprayer knob for adjusting a spraying pattern of the
fluid.
36. The cleaning device of claim 34, wherein: the sprayer is
located between the pair of telescoping tubes and the cleaning
head.
37. The cleaning device of claim 30, wherein: the cleaning fluid
reservoir comprises a bottle connected to the handle at the first
end of the extendable wand.
38. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a sprayer at the second end thereof for spraying
fluid transferred to the second end of the extendable wand.
39. The cleaning device of claim 38, wherein: the sprayer includes
an adjustable sprayer knob for adjusting a spraying pattern of the
fluid.
40. The cleaning device of claim 39, wherein: the sprayer is
located between the cleaning fluid reservoir and the cleaning
head.
41. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein: the cleaning head
includes a mop head with cloth retainers for retaining a cloth on
the cloth head.
42. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein: the cleaning head
includes a mop head with cloth retainers and a cloth; and the cloth
retainer retains the cloth on the cloth head.
43. The cleaning device of claim 26, wherein: the cleaning head
includes an ice scraper.
44. A cleaning device comprising: an extendable wand having a first
end and a second end, the extendable wand comprising a cleaning
fluid reservoir located at the first end thereof and a sprayer
located at the second end thereof; and a cleaning fluid delivery
system at least partially located within the extendable wand for
delivering cleaning fluid in the fluid reservoir to the sprayer at
the second end of the extendable wand; wherein pressure of the
cleaning fluid within the cleaning fluid delivery system is
independent of an extendable length of the extendable wand.
45. The cleaning device of claim 44, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
46. The cleaning device of claim 44, wherein: the cleaning fluid
reservoir comprises a bottle located at the first end of the
extendable wand.
47. The cleaning device of claim 44, wherein: the cleaning fluid
delivery system comprises a coiled tube for delivering cleaning
fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir to the sprayer at the second
end of the extendable wand.
48. The cleaning device of claim 47, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
49. The cleaning device of claim 48, wherein: the coiled tube is
located within the telescoping tubes.
50. The cleaning device of claim 44, wherein: the cleaning fluid
delivery system comprises a pump located at the first end of the
extendable wand for forcing the cleaning fluid from the cleaning
fluid reservoir to the sprayer at the second end of the extendable
wand.
51. The cleaning device of claim 50, wherein: the cleaning fluid
delivery system further includes a coiled tube for delivering
cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir to the sprayer at
the second end of the extendable wand; and the pump forces the
cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the sprayer at
the second end of the extendable wand through the coiled tube.
52. The cleaning device of claim 51, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
53. The cleaning device of claim 52, wherein: the coiled tube is
located within the telescoping tubes.
54. The cleaning device of claim 50, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a handle at the first end of the extendable wand;
and the pump is located in the handle.
55. The cleaning device of claim 54, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
56. The cleaning device of claim 55, wherein: the pair of
telescoping tubes includes a first telescoping end and a second
telescoping end; and the handle is connected to the pair of
telescoping tubes at the first telescoping end.
57. The cleaning device of claim 56, wherein: the cleaning fluid
delivery system further includes a coiled tube for delivering
cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir to the sprayer at
the second end of the extendable wand; and the pump forces the
cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the sprayer at
the second end of the extendable wand through the coiled tube.
58. The cleaning device of claim 57, wherein: the coiled tube is
located in the pair of telescoping tubes and connected to the
pump.
59. The cleaning device of claim 58, wherein: the coiled tube is
further connected to the sprayer.
60. The cleaning device of claim 59, wherein: the sprayer includes
an adjustable sprayer knob for adjusting a spraying pattern of the
fluid.
61. The cleaning device of claim 54, wherein: the cleaning fluid
reservoir comprises a bottle connected to the handle at the first
end of the extendable wand.
62. The cleaning device of claim 44, wherein: the sprayer includes
an adjustable sprayer knob for adjusting a spraying pattern of the
fluid.
63. The cleaning device of claim 44, wherein: the extendable wand
further comprises a cleaning head at the second end thereof.
64. The cleaning device of claim 63, wherein: the sprayer is
located between the cleaning fluid reservoir and the cleaning
head.
65. The cleaning device of claim 63, wherein: the cleaning head
includes a mop head with cloth retainers for retaining a cloth on
the cloth head.
66. The cleaning device of claim 63, wherein: the cleaning head
includes a mop head with cloth retainers and a cloth; and the cloth
retainer retains the cloth on the cloth head.
67. The cleaning device of claim 63, wherein: the cleaning head
includes an ice scraper.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention concerns cleaning devices, and more
particularly relates to extendable cleaning devices.
[0002] Cleaning devices are used extensively to clean vehicles,
building exteriors and interiors, floors, windows or any other
surface that needs to be cleaned. The cleaning devices are
typically used with various cleaning fluids. For example, water, a
combination of soap and water, windshield wiper fluid and other
fluids can be placed or sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned to
assist in the cleaning.
[0003] Accordingly, an improved cleaning device is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0004] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a cleaning
device comprising an extendable wand and a cleaning fluid delivery
system. The extendable wand has a first end and a second end, with
the extendable wand comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir located
at the first end thereof and a cleaning head located at the second
end thereof. The cleaning fluid delivery system is at least
partially located within the extendable wand for delivering
cleaning fluid in the fluid reservoir to the second end of the
extendable wand. Pressure of the cleaning fluid within the cleaning
fluid delivery system is independent of an extendable length of the
extendable wand.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
cleaning device comprising an extendable wand having a first end
and a second end. The extendable wand is adjustable between a first
length and a second length. The extendable wand comprises a
cleaning fluid reservoir located at the first end of the extendable
wand and being configured to accept cleaning fluid therein. The
extendable wand further comprises a cleaning head connected to the
second end of the extendable wand. The cleaning device also
includes a coiled tube located within the extendable wand for
delivering cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir to the
second end of the extendable wand. The cleaning device further
includes a pump located at the first end of the extendable wand for
forcing the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the
second end of the extendable wand through the coiled tube. The
cleaning fluid in the coiled tube is at a first pressure when the
extendable wand is at the first length and the cleaning fluid in
the coiled tube is at a second pressure when the extendable wand is
at the second length. The first pressure is identical to the second
pressure.
[0006] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
cleaning device comprising an extendable wand and a cleaning fluid
delivery system. The extendable wand has a first end and a second
end. The extendable wand comprises a cleaning fluid reservoir
located at the first end thereof and a sprayer located at the
second end thereof. The cleaning fluid delivery system is at least
partially located within the extendable wand for delivering
cleaning fluid in the fluid reservoir to the sprayer at the second
end of the extendable wand. Pressure of the cleaning fluid within
the cleaning fluid delivery system is independent of an extendable
length of the extendable wand.
[0007] The principal objects of the present invention include
providing a cleaning device having an easy to use supply of
cleaning fluid. The cleaning device is efficient in use, economical
to manufacture, capable of a long operable life, and particularly
adapted for the proposed use.
[0008] Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will
become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the
more important features of the present disclosure so that the
detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so
that the present contributions to the art may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
disclosure that will be described hereinafter which will form the
subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0009] In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment
of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the
disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the
construction and the arrangements set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The cleaning device of
the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and
material specifications have been included or omitted from the
specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that
the same are not to be incorporated into the appended claims.
[0010] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded
as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0011] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology,
to learn quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the
Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the
application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it
intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any
way.
[0012] These and other objects, along with the various features and
structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure. For a better understanding of the cleaning device of
the present disclosure, its advantages and the specific objects
attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and
described the preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0013] While embodiments of the cleaning device are herein
illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various
changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein,
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according
to the present invention in an extended position.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cleaning device
according to the present invention in a retracted position.
[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B are a bottom view of the cleaning device
according to the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are a cross-sectional view of the
cleaning device according to the present invention taken along the
line IV-IV of FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a handle and a pump according
to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top isometric view of a main body of the handle
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a first cross-sectional view of the main body of
the handle according to the present invention taken along line
VII-VII of FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the main body of the present
invention taken from area 7A of FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a pump handle of the handle
according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a valve insert sleeve of the
pump according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the valve
insert sleeve of the pump according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a valve insert of the pump
according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the valve
insert of the pump according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a seal of the pump
according to the present invention taken along line XIII-XIII of
FIG. 5.
[0028] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a seal adapter of the pump
according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the seal adapter of the pump
according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a second cross-sectional view of the seal adapter
of the pump according to the present invention taken along line
XVI-XVI of FIG. 15.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a sprayer and a cleaning head
according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a first cross-sectional view of a sprayer body
according to the present invention taken along line XIII-XIII of
FIG. 17.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve of the
sprayer according to the present invention taken along line XIX-XIX
of FIG. 17.
[0034] FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of
the check valve of the sprayer according to the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a spray pattern
adjuster knob of the sprayer according to the present invention
taken along line XX-XX of FIG. 17.
[0036] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a yoke of the cleaning head
according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a top isometric view of a pivot of the cleaning
head according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a top isometric view of a mop head of the
cleaning head according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 24 is a bottom isometric view of the mop head of the
cleaning head according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 25 is a top isometric view of a cloth retainer of the
cleaning head according to the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 26 is a bottom isometric view of the cloth retainer of
the cleaning head according to the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of an ice scraper of a second
embodiment of the cleaning head according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," front, "vertical," "horizontal,"
and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated
in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may
assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0044] The reference number 10 (FIGS. 1-4) generally designates a
cleaning device embodying the present invention. In the illustrated
example, the cleaning device 10 comprises an extendable wand 12 and
a cleaning fluid delivery system 14 (see FIGS. 4A-4C). The
extendable wand 12 has a first end 16 and a second end 18, with the
extendable wand 12 comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir 20 located
at the first end 16 thereof and a cleaning head 22 located at the
second end 18 thereof. The cleaning fluid delivery system 14 is at
least partially located within the extendable wand 12 for
delivering cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 to the
second end 18 of the extendable wand 12. Pressure of the cleaning
fluid within the cleaning fluid delivery system 14 is independent
of an extendable length of the extendable wand 12.
[0045] In the illustrated example, the cleaning device 10 can be
expanded between a fully extended position (FIG. 1) and a fully
retracted position (FIG. 2). The extendable wand 12 of the cleaning
device 10 includes a pair of telescoping tubes 24 that can
telescope into and out of each other to move the cleaning device 10
to the fully extended position, the fully retracted position or any
position therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the
extendable wand 12 of the cleaning device 10 includes a handle 26.
The pair of telescoping tubes 24 include a first telescoping end 32
and a second telescoping end 34, with the handle 26 being connected
to the pair of telescoping tubes 24 at the first telescoping end
32. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning fluid delivery
system 14 includes a pump 28 that forces the cleaning fluid from
the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 to the second end 18 of the
extendable wand 12. In the illustrated example, the pump 28 of the
cleaning fluid delivery system 14 is located in the handle 26 of
the extendable wand 12. Preferably, the extendable wand 12 further
includes a sprayer 30 at the second end 18 of the extendable wand
12 and connected to the second telescoping end 34 of the
telescoping tubes 24. The pressurized fluid in the cleaning fluid
delivery system 14 is sprayed out of the sprayer 30 in order to
clean with the cleaning device 10.
[0046] The illustrated handle 26 (FIG. 5) is connected to the
cleaning fluid reservoir 20 and includes the pump 28 that forces
the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 to the
second end 18 of the extendable wand 12. The handle 26 comprises a
main body 36 connected at a first end to the cleaning fluid
reservoir 20 and at a second end to the first telescoping end 32 of
the pair of telescoping tubes 24. The handle 26 includes a bottle
connector 38 for connecting the main body 36 to the cleaning fluid
reservoir 20.
[0047] In the illustrated example, the main body 36 (FIGS. 6 and 7)
houses the pump 28 and connects the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 to
the pump 28. The main body 36 includes a substantially cylindrical
shell 40 having a longitudinal bore 42 extending therethrough. The
bore 42 in the shell 40 defines a rear section 44, a handle
receiving section 46 and a front section 48. The rear section 44 of
the bore 42 includes a pair of parallel grooves 50 (FIG. 7A)
adjacent the rear of the shell 40 to assist in connecting the pump
28 to the handle 26. An inwardly extending annular rib 52 defines a
transition between the rear section 44 and the handle receiving
section 46 of the bore 42. The handle receiving section 46 of the
bore 42 includes a top opening 54 and a bottom opening 56 extending
through the shell 40 for allowing a pump handle 58 of the pump 28
to extend therethrough. The shell 40 of the main body 36 includes a
rear grip portion 60 for accepting a hand of a user of the cleaning
device 10 thereon. At the front of the rear grip portion 60, the
shell 40 also includes a substantially U-shaped flange 62 having a
pair of aligned holes 64 for connecting the pump handle 58 to the
main body 36. The front of the shell 40 defines an outside
cylindrical surface 66 for connecting the pair of telescoping tubes
24 to the handle 26. In the illustrated example, the pump 28 is
substantially located within the bore 42 of the main body 36.
[0048] The illustrated pump 28 of the cleaning fluid delivery
system 14 forces the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid
reservoir 20 to the second end 18 of the extendable wand 12. In the
illustrated embodiment, the pump 28 includes a siphon tube 68
extending into the cleaning fluid reservoir 20, a valve insert
sleeve 70, a first valve ball 72, a valve insert 74, a seal 76, a
seal adapter 78, a second valve ball 80, the pump handle 58 and a
spring 82. The pump handle 58 is compressed against the force of
the spring 82 to move the seal 76 and seal adapter 78 relative to
the valve insert 74 and the valve insert sleeve 70 to force the
cleaning fluid out of the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 and to the
second end 18 of the extendable wand 12.
[0049] In the illustrated example, the pump handle 58 (FIG. 8) is
pumped to force the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir
20 to the second end 18 of the extendable wand 12. The pump handle
58 is substantially L-shaped and includes a connection portion 84
and a laterally extending grip 86. The connection portion 84
includes an enlarged section 88 with a slot 90 therethrough and a
pair of pins 92. The enlarged section 88 is configured to accept
the seal adapter 78 within the slot 90. As discussed in more detail
below, the enlarged section 88 includes a pair of channels 94 for
engaging the seal adapter 78 and moving the seal adapter 78. The
pump handle 58 is connected to the main body 36 of the handle 26 by
inserting the pair of pins 92 into the pair of aligned holes 64 in
the substantially U-shaped flange 62 of the shell 40 of the main
body 36, such that the connection portion 84 extends out of the top
opening 54 in the main body 36 and the grip 86 extends out of the
bottom opening 56 of the handle receiving section 46 of the bore 42
in the main body 36.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the siphon tube
68, the valve insert sleeve 70, the first valve ball 72, the valve
insert 74, the seal 76, the second valve ball 80 and the seal
adapter 78 of the pump 28 are aligned in the handle 26, with the
siphon tube 68 extending into the cleaning fluid reservoir 20. The
siphon tube 68 (FIG. 4A) includes a hollow cylinder 96 extending a
length of the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 and an enlarged end 98 at
a bottom of the cleaning fluid reservoir 20. The cleaning fluid in
the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 is sucked up into the siphon tube
68 through the enlarged end 98. An end of the siphon tube 68
opposite the enlarged end 98 is connected to the valve insert
sleeve 70 for delivering the cleaning fluid sucked up into the
siphon tube 68 to the valve insert sleeve 70.
[0051] In the illustrated example, the valve insert sleeve 70
(FIGS. 9-10) is connected to the rear section 44 of bore 42 of the
shell 40 of the main body 36, the siphon tube 68 and the valve
insert 74. The valve insert sleeve 70 includes an outer cylindrical
casing 100, a bullet-shaped inner connector 102 co-axially aligned
with the outer cylindrical casing 100 and an annular ring 104
connecting the inner connector 102 to the cylindrical casing 100.
The cylindrical casing 100 includes a plurality of aligned outer
interference rings 106 and a rear abutment ring 108 to assist in
connecting the valve insert sleeve 70 to the main body 36 of the
handle 26. The bullet-shaped inner connector 102 includes a rear
connecting tube 110 extending rearward from the annular ring 104
and a forward stepped connecting tube 112 extending forward from
the annular ring 104. The stepped connecting tube 112 includes a
first step 114, a second step 116 and a third step 118, with the
stepped connecting tube 112 having smaller inner and outer
diameters from the first step 114 to the third step 118. In the
illustrated embodiment, the valve insert sleeve 70 is connected to
the siphon tube 68 by sliding the cylinder 96 of the siphon tube 68
into the rear connecting tube 110 of the valve insert sleeve 70.
The forward stepped connecting tube 112 connects the valve insert
sleeve 70 to the valve insert 74.
[0052] The illustrated valve insert 74 (FIGS. 11-12) is connected
to the valve insert sleeve 70 and interacts with the seal 76 to
force the cleaning fluid through the pump 28. The valve insert 74
comprises a rearward extending small cylinder 120 and a forward
extending large cylinder 122 connected to the small cylinder 120 by
an annular flange 124. The rearward extending small cylinder 120
includes a stepped bore 126 having a larger bore section 128, a
middle bore section 130, a ball valve section 132 and a smaller
bore section 134. A first spring receiving section 137 is defined
between an inner diameter of the forward extending large cylinder
122 and a portion of the rearward extending small cylinder 120. As
discussed in more detail below, the first spring receiving portion
137 is configured to accept a first end of the spring 82 therein.
The ball valve section 132 includes a plurality of angled fins 136
extending from a transition between the smaller bore section 134
and the ball valve section 132. The valve insert 74 is connected to
the valve insert sleeve 70 by inserting the second step 116 and the
third step 118 of the bullet-shaped inner connector 102 of the
valve insert sleeve 70 into the rearward extending small cylinder
120 of the valve insert 74 until the end of the valve insert sleeve
70 opposite the abutment ring 108 of the valve insert sleeve 70
abuts against the annular flange 124 of the valve insert 74. As
illustrated in FIG. 4A, the first valve ball 72 is positioned in
the rearward extending small cylinder 120 of the valve insert 74
between the plurality of angled fins 136 in the ball valve section
132 of the rearward extending small cylinder 120 and the front of
the bullet-shaped inner connector 102. The first valve ball 72
rests on the angled fins 136 and allows fluid to flow from the
valve insert sleeve 70 to the valve insert 74. However, the first
valve ball 72 will cover the third step 118 of the bullet-shaped
inner connector 102 of the valve insert sleeve 70 if fluid attempts
to move from the valve insert 74 to the valve insert sleeve 70
through the stepped bore 126 of the rearward extending small
cylinder 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward extending
large cylinder 122 of the valve insert 70 is configured to allow
the seal 76 to slide therein.
[0053] In the illustrated example, the seal 76 (FIG. 13) slides
within the valve insert 70 to force the cleaning fluid through the
pump 28. The seal 76 comprises an outer tube 138 with a flared end
140 and a concentric inner tube 142 connected at a stepped front
end 144. The inner tube 142 includes an opening 146 therethrough
with a constriction 148 at the stepped front end 144. The opening
146 includes a conical end 150 adjacent the constriction 148. The
flared end 140 of the outer tube 138 of the seal 76 is configured
to slide within the forward extending large cylinder 122 of the
valve insert 70 to connect the seal 76 to the valve insert 70. A
second spring receiving section 177 is located between the outer
tube 138 and the concentric inner tube 142. The spring 82 extends
between the seal 76 and the valve insert 74 and is located in the
first spring receiving section 137 of the valve insert and the
second spring receiving section 177 of the seal 76. The spring 82
biases the flared end 140 of the outer tube 138 of the seal 76 away
from the smaller bore section 134 of the stepped bore 126 of the
rearward extending small cylinder 120 of the valve insert 74. The
seal 76 is also connected to the seal adapter 78.
[0054] The illustrated seal adapter 78 (FIGS. 14-16) moves the seal
76 within the forward extending large cylinder 122 of the valve
insert 70 as the pump handle 58 is depressed. In one embodiment,
the seal adapter 78 comprises a cylindrical shell 152 and a front
connector 154. The seal adapter 78 includes a central cavity 156
having a large opening 158, a transition section 160 and an outlet
section 162. The central cavity 156 is configured to accept the
outer tube 138 of the seal 76 therein for connecting the seal
adapter 78 to the seal 76. As the seal 76 is inserted into the seal
adapter 78, a tip 164 of the stepped front end 144 of the seal 76
extends into the large opening 158 of the seal central cavity 156
of the seal adapter 78. The transition section 160 of the central
cavity 156 includes a plurality of angled fins 166 similar to the
plurality of angled fins 136 of the valve insert 74. As illustrated
in FIG. 4A, the second valve ball 80 is positioned in the conical
end 150 of the seal 76 between the plurality of angled fins 166 in
the transition section 160 of the central cavity 156 of the seal
adapter 78 and the conical end 150 of the seal 76. The second valve
ball 80 rests on the angled fins 166 and allows fluid to flow from
the seal 76 to the seal adapter 78. However, the second valve ball
80 will cover the constriction 148 of the opening 146 of the seal
76 if fluid attempts to move from the seal adapter 78 to the seal
76. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward extending large
cylinder 122 includes a pair of oppositely extending C-shaped
flanges 168. The C-shaped flanges 168 are inserted into the
channels 94 in the enlarged section 88 of the pump handle 58 to
move the seal adapter 78 and the seal 76 as the pump handle 58 is
depressed. The front connector 154 of the seal adapter 78 includes
a plurality of ridges 170 on an outside surface thereof.
[0055] In the illustrated example, the pump 28 is located in the
handle 26 and assists in connecting the cleaning fluid reservoir 20
to the handle 26. In one embodiment, the pump 28 and handle 26 are
constructed by connecting the valve insert sleeve 70, the first
valve ball 72 and valve insert 74 as described above. Therefore,
the bottle connector 38 is slid over the large cylinder 122 of the
valve insert 74 and the outer cylindrical casing 100 of the valve
insert sleeve 70 until the bottle connector 38 abuts against the
abutment ring 108 of the valve insert sleeve 70. In the illustrated
embodiment, the bottle connector 38 comprises a ring 172 having a
threaded inside surface and a grooved outside surface 174 for
assisting in rotating the bottle connector 38. After the bottle
connector 38 is abutting the abutment ring 108, the valve insert
sleeve 70, the first valve ball 72 and the valve insert 74 are slid
into the rear section 44 of the bore 42 of the shell 40 of the main
body 36 until the front of the large cylinder 122 of the valve
insert 74 abuts against the rib 52 in the bore 42 of the shell 40
of the main body 36. When the valve insert sleeve 70, first valve
ball 72 and valve insert 74 are. fully inserted into the main body
36, the bottle connector 38 will be located between an end of the
rear grip portion 60 of the shell 40 of the main body 36 and the
abutment ring 108 of the valve insert sleeve 70. Furthermore, the
interference rings 106 on the outer cylindrical casing 100 of the
valve insert sleeve 74 will fit into the grooves 50 in the rear
section 44 of the bore 42 in the shell 40 of the main body 36 to
assist in maintaining the valve insert sleeve 70, first valve ball
72 and valve insert 74 in the main body 36. The bottle connector 38
is therefore ready for connection to the cleaning fluid reservoir
20.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning fluid reservoir
20 comprises a bottle 176 having cleaning fluid therein. The bottle
176 includes a neck with an outside threaded portion adapted to be
screwed into the bottle connector 38. The bottle 176 is connected
to the handle 26 by inserting the siphon tube 68 into an opening of
the bottle 176 and screwing the outside threaded portion into the
bottle connector 38. The cleaning fluid in the bottle 176 can be
any fluid that can clean surfaces or any objects. The cleaning
fluids that can be used by the cleaning device 10 include water,
soap, cleaning fluid similar to windshield washing fluid used in
vehicles or any other fluid. As described in more detail below,
once the cleaning fluid reservoir 20 is connected to the handle 26,
the pump 28 can pump the cleaning fluid therethrough.
[0057] In the illustrated example, the pair of telescoping tubes 24
(FIG. 4B) include the first telescoping end 32 connected to the
handle 26 and the second telescoping end 34 connected to the
sprayer 30. The pair of telescoping tubes 24 comprises an inner
telescoping tube 178 and an outer telescoping tube 180. The outer
telescoping tube 180 fits over the cylindrical surface 66 of the
shell 40 of the main body 36 in an interference fit to connect the
pair of telescoping tubes 24 to the main body 36. The inner
telescoping tube 178 includes a locking device 182 connected to an
end thereof opposite the sprayer 30 for locking a position of the
inner telescoping tube 178 in the outer telescoping tube 180,
thereby allowing the extendable wand 12 to move to the fully
extended position, the fully retracted position or any position
therebetween. The locking device 182 includes a cam member 184
having a cylinder 186 connected to the inner telescoping tube 178
in an interference fit and a ring 188 at the end of the cylinder
186 and the inner telescoping tube 178. The ring 188 includes a
slot 190 having a cam 192 therein. As the inner telescoping tube
178 is rotated in the outer telescoping tube 180, the cam member
184 will also rotate, thereby pushing the cam 192 against an inner
surface of the outer telescoping tube 180 to lock the relative
positions of the inner telescoping tube 178 and the outer
telescoping tube 180. In one embodiment, at least one of the slot
190 and the cam 192 are non-annular such that the cam 192 will be
pushed against the inner surface of the outer telescoping tube 180.
The cam member 184 and the cam 192 of the locking device 182 are
well known to those skilled in the art. In an alternative
embodiment, the locking device 182 could comprise an exterior
locking device connected to the outer telescoping tube 180. The
exterior locking device comprises a nut molded onto the outer
telescoping tube 180 adapted to accept a screw therein that could
be tightened to abut against an outer surface of the inner
telescoping tube 178, thereby locking the relative positions of the
inner telescoping tube 178 and the outer telescoping tube 180.
[0058] The illustrated cleaning fluid delivery system 14 further
comprises a coiled tube 194 interconnected between the seal adapter
78 and the sprayer 30 for delivering the cleaning fluid from the
pump 28 to the sprayer 30. The coiled tube 194 includes a first end
193 placed over the ridges 170 on the front connector 154 of the
seal adapter 78 to connect the coiled tube 194 to the seal adapter
78. The coiled tube 194 also includes a second end 195 connected to
the sprayer 30. The coiled tube 194 will uncoil as the extendable
wand 12 is expanded in order to continuously supply the cleaning
fluid to the sprayer 30.
[0059] In the illustrated example, sprayer 30 (FIGS. 17-18) accepts
the cleaning fluid delivered thereto from the coiled tube 194 of
the cleaning fluid delivery system 14 and sprays the cleaning fluid
out of the cleaning device 10. The sprayer 30 comprises a sprayer
body 197, a
[0060] check valve 196 and a spray pattern adjuster knob 198. The
sprayer body 197 includes an attaching portion 200 and a spraying
portion 202. The attaching portion 200 is aligned with the pair of
telescoping tubes 24 and includes a tubular section 204, a spraying
section 206 and a threaded portion 208. The tubular section 204
connects the sprayer 30 to the pair of telescoping tubes 24 by
inserting the tubular section 204 into an end of the inner
telescoping tube 178 with an interference fit. The tubular section
204 includes a bore 210 (see FIG. 4C) for accepting the second end
195 of the coiled tube 194 therein for connecting the coiled tube
194 to the sprayer 30. The threaded portion 208 includes an outside
thread 218 for connecting the cleaning head 22 to the sprayer 30.
The spraying section 206 has the spraying portion 202 extending at
an angle therefrom. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the spraying portion
202 includes a hole 214 fluidly communicating with the bore 210 in
the tubular section 204. The hole 214 of the spraying portion 202
includes a sprayer constriction 216 and is configured to accept the
check valve 196 therein. The spraying portion 202 further includes
an outside thread 212 for connection with the spray pattern
adjuster knob 198.
[0061] The illustrated check valve 196 (FIG. 19) is located in the
hole 214 of the spraying portion 202 of the sprayer 30 and assists
in spraying the cleaning fluid out of the sprayer 30. The check
valve 196 includes a rear plunger 220, a corrugated middle section
222 connected to the rear plunger 220 and a nozzle end 224 having a
plurality of apertures 226 therethrough. The check valve 196 is
inserted into the hole 214 of the spraying portion 202 of the
sprayer 30 until the rear plunger 220 abuts the sprayer
constriction 216 in the hole 214 of the spraying portion 202. The
reference numeral 196a (FIG. 19A) generally designates another
embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment for
the check valve. Since the second embodiment of the check valve
196a is similar to the previously described check valve 196,
similar parts appearing in FIG. 19 and FIG. 19A, respectively, are
represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for
the suffix "a" in the numerals of the latter. The check valve 196a
is a four part valve and includes a seal 199 affixed to a pin 201
extending from the rear plunger 220a. Furthermore, instead of the
corrugated middle section 222, the second embodiment of the check
valve 196a includes a spring 203 that extends over a pin 205 at a
rear section of the rear plunger 220a. The spring 203 biases the
rear plunger 220a away from the nozzle end 224a. The check valve
196 is maintained in the hole 214 of the spraying portion 202 of
the sprayer 30 by the spray pattern adjuster knob 198.
[0062] In the illustrated example, the spray pattern adjuster knob
198 (FIG. 20) is connected to the spraying portion 202 of the
sprayer 30 and maintains the check valve 196 within the sprayer 30.
The spray pattern adjuster knob 198 comprises a thimble-shaped cap
228 having an inside thread 230 and an end opening 232. The spray
pattern adjuster knob 198 is screwed onto the outside thread 212 of
the spraying portion 202 of the sprayer 30 to connect the spray
pattern adjuster knob 198 to the sprayer 30. Once the spray pattern
adjuster knob 198 is connected to the sprayer 30, the pump 28 can
spray the cleaning fluid out of the sprayer 30.
[0063] The illustrated pump 28 sucks the cleaning fluid from the
cleaning fluid reservoir 20 and pushes the cleaning fluid towards
the second end 18 of the extendable wand 12. In order to work the
pump 28, a user of the cleaning device 10 grabs the handle 26 about
the rear grip portion 60 of the shell 40 of the main body 36 and
moves the grip 86 of the pump handle 58 towards the shell 40 of the
main body 36. As the grip 86 of the pump handle 58 is moved towards
the shell 40 of the main body 36, the channels 94 in the enlarged
section 88 of the pump handle 58 will engage the C-shaped flanges
168 of the seal adapter 78 and move the seal adapter 78 rearward.
As the seal adapter 78 is moved rearward, the seal 76 is also moved
rearward, thereby compressing the spring 82 between the first
spring receiving section 137 of the valve insert 74 and the second
spring receiving section 177 of the seal 76. As the seal 76 is
moved rearward, the first valve ball 72 moves over the third step
118 to cover the third step 118 of the bullet-shaped inner
connector 102 of the valve insert sleeve 70, thereby preventing
fluid from moving from the valve insert 74 to the valve insert
sleeve 70 through the stepped bore 126 of the rearward extending
small cylinder 120. Therefore, since the volume of space between
the annular flange 124 of the valve insert 74 and the flared end
140 of the outer tube 138 of the seal 76 diminishes, the fluid in
that space will be forced out of the seal 76, through the central
cavity 156, large opening 158, transition section 160 and outlet
section 162 of the seal adapter 76 and into the coiled tube
194.
[0064] After the cleaning fluid has entered the coiled tube 194 of
the cleaning fluid delivery system 14, the coiled tube 194 will
deliver the cleaning fluid to the sprayer 30. Accordingly, the
cleaning fluid leaving the coiled tube 194 will enter the bore 210
of the tubular section 204 of the sprayer 30 and move towards the
hole 214 in the spraying portion 202 of the sprayer 30. As the
fluid enters the hole 214 in the sprayer portion 202, the force of
the fluid going through the sprayer constriction 216 forces the
rear plunger 220 of the check valve 196 away from the sprayer
constriction 216 by compressing the corrugated middle section 222
of the check valve 196. Thereafter, the cleaning fluid will be
sprayed out of the sprayer 30 by passing through the apertures 226
in the check valve 196 and out through the end opening 232 of the
spray pattern adjuster knob 198. Tightening and loosening the spray
pattern adjuster knob 198 will allow a user of the cleaning device
10 to adjust the spray pattern of the cleaning fluid being ejected
out of the sprayer 30 as is well known to those skilled in the
art.
[0065] Once the extendable wand 12 has sprayed the cleaning fluid
in the cleaning fluid delivery system 14 out of the sprayer 30, the
cleaning fluid delivery system 14 must reset for another spray of
the cleaning fluid. After the pump handle 58 has been depressed and
the cleaning fluid has been sprayed out of the sprayer 30, the rear
plunger 220 will move back towards the sprayer constriction 216
because of the bias of the corrugated middle section 222 of the
check valve 196. Furthermore, the spring 82 will force the seal 76
away from the valve insert 72, thereby creating a vacuum in the
volume of space between the annular flange 124 of the valve insert
74 and the flared end 140 of the outer tube 138 of the seal 76, and
thereby sucking cleaning fluid into this space from the cleaning
fluid reservoir 20 through the siphon tube 68 and the valve insert
sleeve 70 to release the vacuum pressure in the space. The
extendable wand 12 is thereby ready to spray the cleaning fluid
again.
[0066] With the cleaning device 10 of the present invention, the
pressure of the cleaning fluid within the cleaning fluid delivery
system 14 is independent of the extendable length of the extendable
wand 12. Since the volume of space within the coiled tube 194 is
constant, the volume will not increase or decrease as the cleaning
device 10 is expanded between the fully extended position and the
fully retracted position. Therefore, the pressure required to move
the fluid through the cleaning fluid delivery system 14 will remain
constant and a user of the cleaning device 10 will not have to
exert any more force on the pump handle 58 as the cleaning device
10 is expanded between the fully extended position and the fully
retracted position, thereby providing the user of the cleaning
device 10 with an easy and constant spray of fluid out of the
cleaning device 10 independent of the extendable length of the
extendable wand 12.
[0067] In the illustrated example, extendable wand 12 includes the
cleaning head 22 at the second end 18 thereof. In one embodiment,
the cleaning head 22 (FIG. 17) includes a yoke 234 connected to the
sprayer 30, a pivot 236 pivotally connected to the yoke 234, a mop
head 238 pivotally connected to the pivot 236 and cloth retainers
240 for retaining a cloth 242 to the mop head 238. The cleaning
head 22 allows the user of the cleaning device 10 to spray the
cleaning fluid onto a surface and clean/scrub/clear the surface
with the cleaning head 22.
[0068] The illustrated yoke 234 (FIG. 21) connects the cleaning
head 22 to the sprayer 30. The yoke 234 is substantially Y-shaped
and includes a base 244 and a pair of connecting arms 246. The base
244 includes a threaded bore 248 adapted to be screwed onto the
threaded portion 208 of the sprayer 30 to connect the yoke 234 to
the sprayer 30. Each connecting arm 246 includes a facing annular
cavity 250. The pivot 236 is positioned between the connecting arms
246 to connect the yoke 234 to the pivot 236.
[0069] In the illustrated example, the pivot 236 (FIG. 22) connects
the yoke 234 to the mop head 238. The pivot 236 comprises a
substantially rectangular block 252 having a first pair of pins 254
extending from a first pair of opposite sides of the block 252 and
a second pair of pins 256 extending from a second pair of opposite
sides of the block 252, with the first pair of pins 254 and the
second pair of pins 256 being substantially co-planar. The pivot
236 is connected to the yoke 234 by positioning the block 252
between the connecting arms 246 of the yoke 234 and inserting the
first pair of pins 254 into the facing annular cavities 250 of the
connecting arms 246. The second pair of pins 256 connects the pivot
236 to the mop head 238.
[0070] The illustrated mop head 238 (FIGS. 23 and 24) is connected
to the pivot 236 and is configured to support the cloth 242 for
using the cleaning device 10 as a scrubber. The mop head 238
comprises a platform 258 having a pair of supporting arms 260
extending from a top surface 262 of the platform 258. The platform
258 includes the top surface 262 having four substantially
trapezoidal shaped openings 264 therein and a depending skirt 266
depending from a periphery of the top surface 262. A bottom surface
268 of the platform 258 includes a plurality of parallel slats 270
for supporting the cloth 242. Each supporting arm 260 includes
facing annular cavity 272 for accepting the second pair of pins 256
therein to connect the mop head 238 to the pivot 236. The
substantially trapezoidal shaped openings 264 are configured to
accept the cloth retainers 240 therein for connecting the cloth 242
to the mop head 238.
[0071] In the illustrated example, the cloth retainers 240 (FIGS.
25-26) retain the cloth 242 on the mop head 238. The cloth
retainers 240 are substantially trapezoidally shaped and include a
top plate 274 and a depending retaining skirt 276. The cloth
retainers 240 are preferably comprised of an elastomeric material.
The top plate 274 of the cloth retainers 240 includes a set of
slots 278 therein to allow the cloth retainer 240 to bend easily.
The depending retaining skirt 276 includes a trapezoidal periphery
280, with each side including an interference rib 282. As best
illustrated in FIG. 4C, the cloth 242 is connected to the mop head
238 by first wrapping the cloth 242 around the platform 258 of the
mop head 238, wherein ends of the cloth 242 overlie the
substantially trapezoidal shaped openings 264 in the top surface
262 of the platform 258 of the mop head 238. Thereafter, the cloth
retainers 240 are inserted into the substantially trapezoidal
shaped openings 264 in the top surface 262 of the platform 258 of
the mop head 238, thereby pushing the ends of the cloth 242 into
the substantially trapezoidal shaped openings 264 in the top
surface 262 of the platform 258 of the mop head 238 and
frictionally capturing the cloth 242 between the cloth retainers
240 and the top surface 262 of the mop head 238. Accordingly, a
user of the cleaning device 10 can spray the cleaning fluid on a
surface and wipe the surface with the cloth 242 on the mop head
238.
[0072] The reference numeral 22a (FIG. 27) generally designates
another embodiment of the present invention, having a second
embodiment for the cleaning head. The second embodiment of the
cleaning head 22a comprises an ice scraper 284 configured to be
substituted for the yoke 234, the pivot 236, the mop head 238,
cloth retainers 240 and the cloth 242 of the first embodiment of
the cleaning head 22. The ice scraper 284 includes a rear portion
286 having an inside threaded opening 288 therein. The ice scraper
284 is connected to the sprayer 30 of the cleaning device 10 by
screwing the threaded portion 208 of the sprayer 30 into the inside
threaded opening 288. The ice scraper 284 also includes a beveled
edge 290 opposite the inside threaded opening 288. Furthermore, the
ice scraper 284 includes a plurality of parallel support flanges
292 extending from the ice scraper 284 for providing strength to
the ice scraper 284. In use, the second embodiment of the cleaning
head 22a is used by spraying a cleaning fluid, preferably a fluid
similar to a windshield wiper cleaning fluid used in vehicle, onto
a surface having ice thereon and then scraping the ice off of the
surface with the beveled edge 290 of the ice scraper 284.
[0073] In the forgoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. For
example, in alternative embodiments of the cleaning device, the
cleaning fluid delivery system could deliver cleaning fluid from
the cleaning fluid reservoir directly to the cleaning head for
application to a surface, differently configured mechanical pumps
could be employed, an electrical pump could be employed and/or a
motorized pump could be employed. Furthermore, the mop head 238
could include a planar flange extending around the depending skirt
266 at a position opposite the top surface 262, with the planar
flange having at least one of hook and loop type fasteners for
connecting to the cloth 242. In such a modification, the cloth
could comprise a microfiber pad for easily connecting to the at
least one of hook and loop type fasteners of the planar flange.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *